(08-06-23) BELEDWEYNE — Hiiraan region governor, Ali Jeyte Osman, on Thursday, speaking to the media, publically denounced the Somali government’s current strategy for combatting the Islamist extremist group, Al-Shabaab. Jeyte, known for leading a successful people’s uprising that ousted the militant group from large portions of territory, voiced his concerns about the government’s hesitancy to launch a comprehensive offensive against the terror outfit.
His displeasure is primarily directed at Villa Somalia’s decision to marginalise local people’s role in this warfare. According to Jeyte, a more inclusive, nationwide approach is necessary to carry the war forward. He cautioned that without such a vision, he would not take responsibility for any Al-Shabaab breaching outside the Hiiraan border.
“This war did not start with a national vision, it started suddenly and won easily with the uprising of the people,” he said, calling into question the government’s long-term plan to counter the insurgent group.
Jeyte’s strategy emphasises the need for a grassroots uprising against Al-Shabaab, following which, he believes, government support is crucial. In his view, this approach will harness the collective strength of the Somali people and bring about a radical social transformation that can ultimately lead to the terrorist group’s defeat.
“The war we have just entered was a social revolution with the help of the government. It seems that the agenda of war has been deviated. The only way to win the war is to have a social revolution, which I believe we have carried out,” he reiterated.
Government officials have yet to respond to the Governor’s remarks. However, Jeyte’s open critique comes at a critical juncture, as the government grapples with the prospect of foreign troops entering Somalia’s frontlines. This looming intervention appears to have stoked Jeyte’s concerns, reaffirming his conviction that Somalia should primarily lead the charge in reclaiming its land from Al-Shabaab.
Jeyte’s statements represent a call to action, seeking to reorient the government’s war strategy towards a more collective, locally-driven effort. The strength of Al-Shabaab is now being tested, and the question remains – will the government heed his advice, or continue on its current path?
